Shelf peg assembly

ABSTRACT

A shelf peg assembly has a peg member and securing clip, the peg member having a peg for inserting into a cabinet and a shelf receiving portion, and the securing clip having an aperture for receiving the peg from the peg member, a top edge for abutting the shelf receiving portion, and a sidewall for abutting the side of the shelf receiving portion and securing the outer edge of the shelf. In one method of use, three shelf peg assemblies support a shelf in a cabinet having only two walls.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to cabinet shelving. More particularly,the present disclosure relates to pegs for use in supporting a cabinetshelf.

BACKGROUND

Cabinets and shelving are a standard feature in every office and home.Because space is often limited, and because of the differing sizes ofitems being stored on the shelving, there was a need to adapt thedistance between shelves. As a result, one of the most common methods ofadjusting the height or distance between shelves is the use of a shelfpeg. In other words, a cabinet may have a plurality of peg apertures onopposing sides of the cabinet. A user then typically places two pegs oneach side of the cabinet to support the shelf: two pegs on the side ofthe shelf proximal to the user and two pegs on the side distal to theuser, thereby supporting the shelf.

However, while the ability to alter the height of the shelf was animprovement, these prior art pegs allow for unwanted movement of theshelf. In an attempt to resolve this issue, users have turned to tape,spring clips, plastic or metal bumpers, or other solutions. However,these fixes are often temporary, can be unsightly, and often do notprevent movement.

Further, four pegs must be used, as described above, to adequately holda shelf and support its contents. This requires at least three cabinetwalls: two sidewalls and a back wall. Having three cabinet walls cansignificantly increase the cost of a cabinet.

Accordingly, there is a need for a shelf peg that can reduce oreliminate shelf movement, that does not require the use of unsightly,temporary solutions, and that does not require three cabinet walls. Theshelf peg assembly described herein seeks to solve these and otherproblems.

SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

In one embodiment, a shelf peg assembly comprises a peg member andsecuring clip, the peg member comprising a peg for inserting into acabinet and a shelf receiving portion, and the securing clip comprisingan aperture for receiving the peg from the peg member, a top edge forabutting the shelf receiving portion, and a sidewall for abutting theside of the shelf receiving portion and securing the outer edge of theshelf

In one method of use, three shelf peg assemblies support a shelf in acabinet. In one embodiment, the cabinet need only have two walls.

In one embodiment, a shelf peg system comprises two edge pegs and acorner peg. In one embodiment, the cabinet need only have two walls.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a disassembled rear perspective view of a shelf peg assembly;

FIG. 2 is an assembled rear perspective view of a shelf peg assembly;

FIG. 3 is an assembled rear elevation view of a shelf peg assembly;

FIG. 4 is a disassembled bottom perspective view of a shelf pegassembly;

FIG. 5 is an assembled side perspective view of a shelf peg assembly;

FIG. 6 is an assembled rear perspective view of a shelf peg assembly;

FIG. 7 is top perspective view of a peg member of a shelf peg assemblycoupled to a cabinet;

FIG. 8 is top perspective view of a peg member of a shelf peg assemblycoupled to a cabinet supporting a shelf;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of an assembled shelf peg assemblysupporting a shelf;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a plurality of shelf peg assembliescoupled to cabinet walls;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a shelf being supported by aplurality of shelf peg assemblies in a cabinet having only two walls;

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of a shelf and contents beingsupported by a plurality of shelf peg assemblies in a cabinet havingonly two walls;

FIG. 13 is a top, left perspective view of a shelf peg;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a shelf peg;

FIG. 15 is a left side elevation view of shelf peg;

FIG. 16 is a right side elevation view of a shelf peg;

FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of a shelf peg;

FIG. 18 is a top, right perspective view of a corner shelf peg;

FIG. 19 is a right elevation view of a corner shelf peg;

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of a corner shelf peg;

FIG. 21 is a front elevation view of a corner shelf peg; and

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a shelf peg system supporting a shelf.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The following descriptions depict only example embodiments and are notto be considered limiting in scope. Any reference herein to “theinvention” is not intended to restrict or limit the invention to exactfeatures or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodimentsdisclosed in the present specification. References to “one embodiment,”“an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” and the like, may indicate thatthe embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature,structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarilyincludes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further,repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment,”do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

Reference to the drawings is done throughout the disclosure usingvarious numbers. The numbers used are for the convenience of the drafteronly and the absence of numbers in an apparent sequence should not beconsidered limiting and does not imply that additional parts of thatparticular embodiment exist. Numbering patterns from one embodiment tothe other need not imply that each embodiment has similar parts,although it may.

Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to beillustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention,which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any andall equivalents thereof. Although specific terms are employed herein,they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not forpurposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, suchterms are intended to be given their broad, ordinary, and customarymeaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industryand without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafterdescribed. As used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one ormore items. When used herein to join a list of items, the term “or”denotes at least one of the items, but does not exclude a plurality ofitems of the list. For exemplary methods or processes, the sequenceand/or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and notrestrictive.

It should be understood that the steps of any such processes or methodsare not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence,arrangement, or with any particular graphics or interface. Indeed, thesteps of the disclosed processes or methods generally may be carried outin various sequences and arrangements while still falling within thescope of the present invention.

The term “coupled” may mean that two or more elements are in directphysical contact. However, “coupled” may also mean that two or moreelements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet stillcooperate or interact with each other.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as usedwith respect to embodiments, are synonymous, and are generally intendedas “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as“including, but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpretedas “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as“includes, but is not limited to,” etc.).

As discussed above, there is a need for a shelf peg that can reduce oreliminate shelf movement, that does not require the use of unsightly,temporary solutions, and that does not require three cabinet walls. Theshelf peg assembly disclosed below solves these and other problems.

In one embodiment, as generally shown in FIGS. 1-10, a shelf pegassembly 100 comprises a peg member 102 and securing clip 104. The pegmember 102 comprises a peg 106 and a shelf receiving portion 108. Theshelf receiving portion 108 comprises a top plate 110 and bottom plate112, forming the shelf receiving portion 108 (i.e., an aperture)therebetween. The peg member 102 further comprises a wall 113 and maycomprise a wall extension 114 (FIG. 3). The peg 106 extends rearwardlyfrom the wall 113. The securing clip 104 comprises a peg-receivingaperture 116 through rear wall 118. In one embodiment, the peg-receivingaperture 116 extends from about the middle of the rear wall 118 to abottom edge 120. This allows the peg-receiving aperture 116 to beassembled vertically over the peg 106. The securing clip 104 furthercomprises a top edge 122 for abutting the top plate 110, and a sidewall124 for abutting and closing the side of the shelf receiving portion108, as shown in FIG. 5.

As understood, the peg member 102 and securing clip 104 interlock whenthe peg 106 passes through the peg-receiving aperture 116 and the wall113 of the peg member 102 abuts the rear wall 118 of the securing clip104.

As shown in FIG. 7, the peg member 102 may be coupled to a cabinet wall126 (i.e., the peg 106 is inserted into an aperture in the cabinet wall126). A shelf 128 may then be inserted into shelf receiving portion 108.In other words, the shelf 128 is interposed between top plate 110 andbottom plate 112. With the shelf positioned, the securing clip 104 maybe inserted vertically from the top so as to secure the shelf, as shownin FIG. 9. As appreciated, the sidewall 124 prevents the shelf 128 frommoving horizontally. The sidewall 124 is prohibited from moving in ahorizontal direction due to the peg 106 received through peg-receivingaperture 116. Accordingly, the shelf 128 is prevented from movingvertically and horizontally. This is a significant improvement over theprior art, which fails to secure a shelf in all directional planes.

Currently in the industry, three cabinet walls must be present: a backwall and two sidewalls. Four prior art pegs are then inserted into thetwo sidewalls, with one peg at the front and one peg on the back of eachsidewall. This allows the shelf to be stabilized. However, if one of theprior art pegs is removed, the shelf becomes unstable and can tip,causing the contents thereon to fall. In contrast, the lockable pegassembly 100 described herein only requires two cabinet walls, and onlythree bore holes, supporting a shelf using as few as three assemblies.This is not only a significant cost savings, but it secures the shelfbetter than the four required prior art pegs. Referring to FIGS. 10-12,a plurality of lockable peg assemblies 100 can be used to secure a shelf128 using only two cabinet walls 126, 127. As shown in FIG. 10, a firstassembly 100A may be used on a first wall 126 and a second assembly 100Bmay be used on second wall 127. A third assembly 100C may be used onsecond wall 127, as shown, or on first wall 126. It will be appreciatedthat third assembly 100C only requires peg member 102 since theadjoining wall functions as the sidewall 124 of the securing clip 104.It will be appreciated that at least one securing clip 104 may becoupled to the assembly 100A prior to inserting a shelf 128, althoughnot required. However, at least one assembly 100A, 100B must remaindisassembled (i.e., securing clip 104 not coupled to peg member 102)until the shelf 128 is in place. As shown in FIG. 7, wall extension 114of peg member 102 ensures a space 130 between the wall 113 of the pegmember 102 and cabinet wall 126. This space 130 allows the rear wall 118of the securing clip 104 to be inserted therein so as to interlockeasily with the peg 106.

Referring to FIG. 11, once the shelf 128 is positioned, the securingclip(s) 104 may be interlocked to the peg members 106. Because the pegassemblies 100A, 100B comprise top plates 110 and bottom plates 112, theshelf 128 is fully supported. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 12, contentsmay be placed on the shelf 128, which remains fully supported. It willbe understood that the first assembly 100A may be a mirror image ofassembly 100B, so that each will secure their respective edges of theshelf 128.

Because only two cabinet walls 126, 127 are required, instead of threeas is required in the prior art, there is a significant cost savings.Further, because only two cabinet walls 126, 127 are required, users mayaccess the shelf from two sides, as opposed to one. Like prior art pegs,the peg assemblies 100 described herein may be placed in any number ofcabinet apertures, allowing a user to customize the positioning of oneor more shelves in a cupboard.

Referring to FIGS. 13-17, a shelf peg 200 comprises a peg 202, a bottomplate 204, a sidewall 206, and a rear wall 208. The sidewall 206 is onlyon one side, so as to secure a shelf therein. It will be appreciatedthat the shelf peg 200 would be used on a left side of a cabinet tosupport a shelf as shown later herein. Accordingly, a second shelf pegmay be a mirror image of the shelf peg 200 for use on the right side ofa cabinet. FIGS. 18-21 illustrate a corner shelf peg 300 comprising apeg 302, a bottom plate 304, a top plate 306, and a rear wall 308.Unlike shelf peg 200, corner shelf peg 300 does not have any sidewalls,allowing it to support the corner section of a shelf, as shown in FIG.22. The top plate 306 secures the shelf 310 in position and prevents itfrom tilting when pressure is place on the opposite corner of the shelf310. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 22, a shelf 310 may be fullysupported using a first shelf peg 200A, a shelf peg 200B (a mirror imageof 200A), and corner shelf peg 300 (referred to collectively as a “shelfpeg system”). As understood, this allows the shelf 310 to be supportedusing only two cabinet walls 312, 314, which is an improvement over theprior art.

Therefore, as appreciated from the foregoing disclosure, the shelf pegassembly disclosed herein solves the need for a shelf peg that canreduce or eliminate shelf movement, that does not require the use ofunsightly, temporary solutions, and that does not require three cabinetwalls.

Exemplary embodiments are described above. No element, act, orinstruction used in this description should be construed as important,necessary, critical, or essential unless explicitly described as such.Although only a few of the exemplary embodiments have been described indetail herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate thatmany modifications are possible in these exemplary embodiments withoutmaterially departing from the novel teachings and advantages herein.Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included withinthe scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A shelf peg assembly for supporting a shelf, theshelf peg assembly comprising: a peg member comprising a wall, a pegextending rearwardly from the wall, a shelf-receiving portion having atop plate and a bottom plate, and a wall extension extending rearwardlyfrom the wall; a securing clip comprising a rear wall, a peg-receivingaperture in the rear wall, a top edge, and a sidewall; wherein the pegmember and the securing clip are configured to interlock by the peg ofthe peg member passing through the peg-receiving aperture of thesecuring clip, the top edge of the securing clip abutting the top plateof the peg member, the wall extension forming a space for receiving therear plate of the securing clip.
 2. The shelf assembly of claim 1,wherein the shelf-receiving portion comprises an aperture interposedbetween the top plate and the bottom plate.
 3. A method of using a shelfpeg assembly to support a shelf, the method comprising: coupling a firstshelf peg assembly to a first cabinet wall; coupling a second shelf pegassembly to a second cabinet wall; coupling a peg member of a thirdshelf assembly to either the first or second cabinet wall; the shelf pegassemblies supporting the shelf on only the first and second cabinetwall.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein a securing clip of the firstshelf assembly is coupled to the peg member after the peg member hasreceived the shelf.
 5. A shelf peg system for supporting a shelf, theshelf peg system comprising: a first shelf peg positioned on a firstcabinet wall; a second shelf peg positioned on a second cabinet wall;and a corner shelf peg positioned where the first and second cabinetwalls abut; the first and second shelf pegs each comprising a peg, abottom plate, a sidewall, and a rear wall; and the corner shelf pegcomprising a peg, a bottom plate, a top plate, and a rear wall.